Group 8 · Retrievers & spaniels
Cocker Spaniel
The Cocker Spaniel is a cheerful, affectionate gundog with long ears and an ever-wagging tail. It is clever and family-minded, with differences in energy between show and working lines, and a coat that needs regular care.
Health
These examinations come from the official breeding programme for the breed Engelse Cocker Spaniel by Dierenwelzijn Vlaanderen (Animal Welfare Flanders). They apply to the puppies’ parents.
In short
Both parents must have 6 examinations:
- 4 DNA tests
- 1 X-ray examination
- 1 eye examination
The breeding programme also recommends 1 further examination.
A sample for DNA tests can be taken either with a mouth swab or by a blood sample. To carry out the examinations, the breeder uses a vet or a laboratory. For each examination below, you can see from what age and how often it must be done. Ask the breeder for the results of both parent dogs.
Mandatory examinations (6)
-
Acral mutilation syndrome (AMS)
DNA test Once from birth
Official description
- Method
- DNA test
- Gene variant (for the laboratory)
- GDNF: g.70875561C>T
- Inheritance
- autosomal recessive
-
Familial nephropathy (FN)
DNA test Once from birth
Official description
- Method
- DNA test
- Gene variant (for the laboratory)
- COL4A4: c.115A>T
- Inheritance
- autosomal recessive
-
Hip dysplasia (HD)
X-ray Once at least 1 year (laxity views: at least 6 months)
Official description
- Method
- X-ray: VD view and laxity view (Vezzoni or PennHIP)
-
Progressive retinal atrophy – progressive rod-cone degeneration (Prcd-PRA)
DNA test Once from birth
Official description
- Method
- DNA test
- Gene variant (for the laboratory)
- PRCD: XM_022422503.1:c.5G>A
- Inheritance
- autosomal recessive
-
Progressive retinal atrophy – rod-cone dysplasia 4 (PRA-rcd4)
DNA test Once from birth
Official description
- Method
- DNA test
- Gene variant (for the laboratory)
- PCARE: c.3149_3150insC
- Inheritance
- autosomal recessive
-
Eye disorders
Eye examination Valid for 2 years at least 1 year
Official description
- Method
- General eye examination
Recommended examinations (1)
-
Patellar luxation (PT)
Kneecap examination Once at least 1 year
Official description
- Method
- Palpation of the kneecap
The breeding programme also contains the breeding advice for each examination and general rules on inbreeding, the number of matings per stud dog and the use of frozen semen. You can find these in the official document.
Source: breeding programme Engelse Cocker Spaniel, Dierenwelzijn Vlaanderen, last updated on 18/07/2026.
View the official breeding programme (PDF, in Dutch)
A breeding programme reduces the risk of hereditary conditions, but does not offer a 100% health guarantee.
Translation of the Dutch breeding programme by Puppymakelaar. In case of any difference, the official document prevails.
This breed profile is not a breed sheet within the meaning of the Flemish Breeding Decree (Fokkerijbesluit). The legal rules for breeding this breed are set out in the official breeding programme.
Considerations when buying
According to the breeding programme approved by Dierenwelzijn Vlaanderen, these examinations must be carried out on both parent dogs: Acral mutilation syndrome (AMS), Familial nephropathy (FN), Hip dysplasia (HD), Progressive retinal atrophy – progressive rod-cone degeneration (Prcd-PRA), Progressive retinal atrophy – rod-cone dysplasia 4 (PRA-rcd4) and Eye disorders. The breeding programme also lists these recommended examinations: Patellar luxation (PT). A puppy with a Flemish pedigree comes from parent dogs bred according to this breeding programme. Ask for the results of both parent dogs and compare them with the overview above. A Cocker Spaniel needs plenty of daily exercise and scent work; working lines even more than show lines. Its coat needs brushing a few times a week and regular trimming, and its long ears should be kept clean.
Questions for the breeder
- Have both parent dogs undergone all the mandatory examinations in the breeding programme, and may I see the results?
- What are the results of both parent dogs for Hip dysplasia (HD)?
- Is the general eye examination of both parent dogs still valid? According to the breeding programme: Valid for 2 years.
- Will the puppy receive a Flemish pedigree from a recognised breed registry association?
- How are the puppies socialised before they go to their new home?
Breed-specific challenges
The Cocker is cheerful and very family-oriented, but can become possessive over toys or food. Consistent, reward-based training and swapping games help. It does not like being left alone for long.
More background
General guides that help you understand this breed information and choose well.
